By Bob Makin
originally published: 02/14/2025

The Makin Waves Song of the Week, “We’re in This Together,” is the latest single from The NEW Bardots and a track on their new album, “Endless Drool.” PHOTOS BY RICH HALL
With the first single off their new LP, “Endless Drool,” The NEW Bardots deviate just a bit to bring us a message with a rock bottom line.
“We’re In This Together” is a cry for solidarity amongst the masses, an anti-division anthem shot out of the band’s rock ‘n’ roll cannon, and the Makin Waves Song of the Week.
As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “We’re in This Together” also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on Feb. 14 on “Radio Jersey at ThePenguinRocks.com. If you miss it, you can tune in any time in the archives at The Penguin and Mixcloud.
“With all the division in our country and the world lately, we wanted to use music as a message to say, ‘Hey everyone, look, we’re in this together so just chill and be nice to one another,’” NEW Bardots lead singer Wayne Olivieri said.
The NEW Bardots front man Wayne Olivieri soon will publish a memoir, “The Undiscovered Showman,” about his life in rock ‘n’ roll.
Coinciding with the release of the latest NEW Bardots album on Bongo Boy Records, Wayne soon will publish a memoir. “The Undiscovered Showman: A True Story of Being Almost Famous” is about his life in rock ‘n’ roll.
“I’ve been blessed with lots of very cool friends I’ve made across the years of time, and I've also been very close to achieving that dream that so many in our field have wondered upon yet never seem to actually get there,” Wayne said. “I started crawling up the rock ‘n’ roll ladder at an early age. I've experienced it all: the knowledge I've accumulated, the trusts that I’ve seen broken, the lies, the sex, the drugs, the back stabbing, the empty promises, the ghosting, the fair weather friendships, the business deceptions … Did I mention the empty promises?
“I've also been extremely fortunate to have met some very influential characters in our entertainment genre and had my share of success along the way,” he continued. “Over the years, I would tell my stories at a party or rehearsal or wherever, and I would always hear, "You should write a book,” so I did.”
The memoir has lots of fun stories about a lifelong pursuit for rock ‘n’ roll stardom. “The Undiscovered Showman” is filled with advice, success, disappointment, betrayal, and encounters with top industry executives and celebrities, including a revealing 17-year close friendship with one of the world’s biggest rock superstars.
You can preorder the book here.
The NEW Bardots also feature guitarist Gar Francis, bassist Dan Skye, drummer Johnnie Rago and keyboardist John Croot Jr.
For more about them, visit their website.
Bob Makin has produced Makin Waves since 1988. Follow Makin Waves on Facebook and contact Bob at [email protected].
About the author:
New Jersey Stage is proud to be the home of Bob Makin's Makin Waves column since 2017. His Song of the Week column comes out every Friday. He also writes an Album of the Month and Interview of the Month as well.
EVENT PREVIEWS

Cape May Convention Hall presents Croce Plays Croce on August 7th
(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- A.J. Croce brings his Croce Plays Croce show to the Cape May Convention Hall on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 8:00pm. Son of the legendary singer songwriter, Jim Croce, A.J. purposefully waited thirty years to perform his father's music, only introducing his acclaimed Croce Plays Croce Tour when he felt there was a meaningful way to honor his musical legacy with depth, intention, and musical integrity.
Tropicana Showroom presents Gov't Mule on Friday
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Tropicana Showroom at Tropicana Atlantic City presents Gov't Mule on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 9:00pm. For three decades, Gov't Mule has galvanized a global fan base with their honest, organic and daring music and improvisational virtuosity, leading them to be recognized as one of the most timeless, revered and active bands in the world whose spot amongst rock titans remains unshakable.
bergenPAC presents UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell on Friday
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 8:00pm. UB40's unmistakable blend of reggae rhythms and pop sensibility made them one of the most successful British bands of all time.

Scottish Rite Auditorium presents Hot Tuna on Friday
(COLLINGSWOOD, NJ) -- The Scottish Rite Auditorium presents Hot Tuna on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 8:00pm. Hot Tuna, an iconic American blues rock band, has been delivering a profound musical experience to audiences pushing six decades.

State Theatre New Jersey presents Buddy Guy
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Buddy Guy on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 8:00pm. At nearly 90 years old, Buddy Guy remains a singular force in American music. Fresh off earning his ninth Grammy® Award in 2026 for Best Traditional Blues Album (Ain't Done with the Blues), the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and one of the last living architects of electric blues will celebrate a historic milestone with the Buddy Guy 90 Tour, featuring select headline performances across North America in 2026.

TOTALLY TUBULAR FESTIVAL 80s New Wave Tour Comes to Atlantic City on August 8th
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Tour organizers for the acclaimed 80's New Wave tour TOTALLY TUBULAR FESTIVAL have announced a line-up change due to the unfortunate cancellation of The Motels. Bow Wow Wow will replace The Motels for some shows and Men Without Hats will replace The Motels for others. The tour comes to the Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena on Saturday, August 8, 2026. The tour's colorful lineup also features Thomas Dolby & The Lost Toy People, A Flock Of Seagulls, The Producers, Animotion, The Escape Club, and Tommy Tutone.
State Theatre New Jersey presents Buddy Guy on August 8th
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents the legendary Buddy Guy on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 8:00pm. Guy won his 9th career Grammy Award for 2025's Ain't Done With The Blues. Limited tickets remain.
The Vogel presents Early Elton Trio on Saturday
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Vogel presents Early Elton Trio on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 7:30pm. This is a Tribute to the Elton John, Dee Murray and Nigel Olsson Trio Tours of 1970 – 1972 featuring Jeff Kazee (Southside Johnny + The Asbury Jukes), Rich Pagano (The Fab Faux) and John Conte (Southside Johnny + The Asbury Jukes).

Todd Rundgren to perform shows in Englewood, Ocean City, and Red Bank in August
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Legendary producer/songwriter/guitarist Todd Rundgren is bringing his 2026 Damned If I Do Tour to the Garden Sate in August. He's got shows at bergenPAC in Englewood on August 8th; Ocean City Music Pier on August 11th; and Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank on August 12th.

The Newton Theatre presents Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives on August 12th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Newton Theatre presents Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 7:00pm. In a career spanning over 50 years, dozens of albums, and too many shows to count, Marty Stuart charts a course through new territory at every chance possible.
FEATURED EVENTS
